Luke 2:8-18 “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.”
Did you notice that “they hurried off”? They were in a hurry! BUT, it wasn’t a “let’s hurry and see the Babe so we can get back to the fields,” or “let’s hurry to the manger so we can check that off our list of things to do today.”
They hurried because they were excited! They hurried because of what they got to do! They hurried toward the truth and then spread the joy of that night – their Savior! Can you feel the excitement?
The rush around Christmas is part of the season. There is always more to be done and more people to see. And while it is easy to complain about what we have to do, I have found that we can actually ENJOY the rush of the season if we consider it part of the excitement of what we get to do, and who we get to see (though that’s not always perfect – but attitude does help), and the Good Cheer we get to spread. Smiling and enjoying the season while ‘hurrying to see’ completely changes my attitude and how I feel about this time of year, and it keeps the ‘Christmas magic’ alive.
Christmas Joy is a choice. Good Cheer is a choice. And I pray you choose to have a Very Merry Christmas as you celebrate all that God has done, is doing, and will do.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!